Students gain additional access to state-of-the-art automotive technology and hands-on training opportunities

Kia Canada Inc. announced the donation of a 2008 Kia Borrego to Durham College at an event held at the college’s Whitby campus on Wednesday, February 9. Pictured from left to right are Reg Furoy, training manager, Kia Canada Inc.; Stewart In’t Veld, first-year Durham College Motive Power Technician – Service and Management student; Don Lovisa, president, Durham College; and Jack Sulymka, public relations manager, Kia Canada Inc.

February 9, 2011

Whitby, Ont. – As part of Kia Canada Inc.’s (Kia) commitment to drive change for the better, the automotive manufacturer donated a 2008 Kia Borrego to Durham College at an event held at the college’s Whitby campus on Wednesday, February 9.

Representatives from Kia were joined by Durham College President Don Lovisa as well as students, faculty and staff as the details of the donation were revealed including the training opportunities that will be offered to current and future students as a result of the donation as well as the importance of community partnerships such as the relationship between Kia and the college.

“I extend a very warm thank you to Kia for this wonderful equipment donation on behalf of the entire Durham College community,” said Lovisa. “Thanks to Kia’s support of our automotive programs and commitment to providing students with access to current technology and equipment, Durham College continues to graduate students with the up-to-date skills and relevant training required to be successful in today’s automotive industry.”

The Borrego, a sports utility vehicle (SUV), was delivered to the Whitby campus in December 2010 where it is serving as an important training tool for students enrolled in the Motive Power Technician – Service and Management and Automotive Service Technician programs.

“We are firm believers in supporting student technical programs across Canada,” said Maria Soklis, vice-president and chief operating officer of Kia Canada Inc. “It is critical that Kia Canada provides the latest technology in order to effectively prepare students for our dealerships in the future.”

Known for its pure and functional look, the 2008 Borrego is a versatile and stylish SUV designed for individuals who enjoy an active and energetic lifestyle. It also houses Kia’s first-ever six-litre V8 dual overhead cam engine, producing more than 300 horsepower, and a six-speed automatic transmission.

Its body-on-frame construction and exterior sit on fully independent front and rear suspensions and it offers an upright grille, chiselled hood and optional 18-inch alloy wheels.

Built on a platform with a wheelbase of 114.0 inches, an overall length of 192.1 inches and overall width of 75.4 inches, it offers a roomy interior with standard three rows of seating for up to seven passengers.

In addition to offering the Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship and Motive Power Technician – Service and Management diploma programs, Durham College’s Whitby campus is home to several other full-time post-secondary and apprenticeship programs including the new Construction Carpentry, Construction and Hoisting Techniques, Energy Management and Sustainable Building Technology and Welding Techniques programs being introduced in September 2011.

Students enrolled in the Automotive Service Technician and Motive Power Technician – Service and Management programs are training for a variety of careers in the automotive and transportation fields.

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About Durham College
At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2010, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including more than 7,400 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time, Second Career and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, energy, media, art, design, general arts and sciences, skilled trades, justice, emergency services and health care, enabling them to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market.

A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 and Phase 2, nearing completion, is creating expanded shop space for several building trades and will also feature two homes where students will learn about sustainable construction and building. Phase 3 be a building focused on food, hospitality and tourism. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011. For more information, please call 905.721.2000.

About Kia Canada Inc.
Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca) — a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart — is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) in Korea. It was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte and Sorento through a network of 171 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 141 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada. Kia Motors Corporation continues to showcase the company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

Media contacts:

Allison Rosnak
Communications officer
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2333
allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca

Jack G. Sulymka
Public Relations Manager
Kia Canada Inc.
905.755.6266
jsulymka@kia.ca

 

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